How to Install an Exterior Light Fixture on Stucco Like a Pro

A lot of houses nowadays have Stucco as their exterior. It’s a pleasant mixer of cement, lime, sand, water, and polymer agents that keep your house safe from the weather and harsh environment.

It almost feels like living in an ancient Pharaoh mockup if you get it. Pyramids had lime stones on them, and we do stucco. But the problem with Stucco is that they are very sturdy and hard to work on afterward.

This might bring you the thought of how to install an exterior light fixture on a stucco wall. 

Don’t be so disheartened yet because we have the perfect solution to this and will guide you step by step on the way. 

How to Install an Exterior Light Fixture on Stucco

Stucco is a grout that is commonly used for its lime stone-like finish. It can be used in both interior and exterior of your house.

Although it is pretty to look at and can stay on for a very long time, it also comes with some drawbacks.

One of them is that you cannot drill and hang a light fixture on a stucco wall just like any cement wall. You will have to use specialized drill bits, anchors, and other products to work on it. 

Here is a list of things you will need

• Drill machine.
• Stucco anchors.
• Screws.
• Screwdriver.
• A pencil. 
• Your light fixture. 

Step-by-Step Guide for Hanging Light Fixture on Stucco Wall

Step 1: Mark the Stucco Wall

For any light fixture installation, marking the wall is the main thing. Level out the wall with a leveler and mark your stucco wall with a pencil. Use the light fixture bracket for better measurement.

Step 2: Drill and Place Anchor

After you have marked your wall, it is time to drill. As stucco is a very sturdy and rugged substance, it won’t be easy to drill on it. So use a powerful concrete drill bit.

When you are done with drilling, put on the anchors. You have to buy stucco anchors or fishers as regular ones won’t have much grip due to the denser stucco texture. 

Step 3: Install the Screws

Install the screws on the anchor. Use a screwdriver to drive them in for a firm grip. You can also use a portable screwdriver.

If your light fixture doesn’t come with an additional bracket, you might have to screw the whole thing at once with the screws.

Step 4: Connect the Electrical Wires

Make sure the outlet is turned off. Connect your light fixture wires with the outlet and secure them with tape or shrink wraps.

Step 5: Hang Your Light Fixture

After you have hanged your fixture brackets, place your light fixture on it. Check for a secured placement and you are done

Step 6: Secure With a Filler/Sealer

To make your outlet and fixtures connection waterproof, you must use a grout, waterproof silicon filler to seal out the outer portion of the fixture.

Pro Tip: If Using Stucco Rings

If you are using stucco rings, you won’t have to seal and waterproof the fixture and ring connection. Rather use the filling on the wall to the ring portion to make it waterproof.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you seal outdoor light fixtures on stucco?

The best way to seal your outdoor light fixture on stucco is to use caulk. It can be either silicon-based or concrete sealer. Make sure you get the edges close as water might pass through small holes. So use a generous amount of caulk which you can clean off later. 

How do you install lights on stucco?

To install lights on stucco, you will need a concrete drill, stucco anchors, and screws. As stucco is denser than cement, regular anchors don’t have a good grip on them. Screw on the screws and follow your light fixture’s instructions to mount it. Use caulk to fill in any gaps between the wall and light to make it waterproof. 

Do you need a mounting block for exterior lights?

It solely depends on your lighting fixture. If it comes with protections and brackets, you won’t need amounting block. But if the fixture is small in size and just hangs from its body, you will need a mounting block. A mounting block saves not only your light fixture but also your home making the gap between them waterproof. 

How do I attach an electrical box to the stucco?

You can either surface mount or flush mount an electrical box to stucco. For surface mount, you will need to cut into the wall using a hole saw. And then install the electrical box into it securing it with caulk or stucco later on. Flush mounting is rather easy as the whole box sticks on the stucco rather than sit inside. Just drill some holes on top of your electrical line and install it with a stucco anchor and screws. Drive the wires inside the electrical box and secure the outside with caulk.

Conclusion

Stucco walls are not that hard to work on if you have the right tools and equipment. Otherwise, it could go very wrong as it is very hard and dense to work with. Make sure you clean the surface after you have caulked your light fixture for a better life. If you don’t have any idea about electrical work, it is a wise decision to ask a professional to do it for you.